Port seizing cable connector nut and assembly

Abstract

A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body having a first end and a second end, a coupling nut freely rotatable and disposed in relation to the first end of the connector body and a post having a first end and a second end, the post further including a open-ended port retaining portion. The coupling nut includes an internal threaded portion and is disposed in overlaying relation relative to the port retaining portion, which is configured for engaging an external port. The port retaining portion defines a locking collet that prevents loosening of the engaged port, while still guaranteeing electrical continuity without requiring excessive tightening of the connector.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present application relates generally to the field of coaxial cable connectors for use in broadband and cable communications and other applications and more specifically to a coaxial cable connector having interconnection features enabling more reliable securement to an external interface port.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Coaxial cable connectors are replete in the field of broadband communications, among other fields and related applications. A typical coaxial cable connector such as, for example, an F-type connector, retains a prepared coaxial cable end within a connector body that also retains a hollow tubular post. The connector further includes a freely rotatable threaded coupling nut that is secured to the connector body and / or the post. The coupling nut permits attachment between the connector and an appliance such as a television, computer or other device having an external interface port. The prepared coaxial cable end is engaged within t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]One advantage provided by the herein described coaxial cable connector is that more reliable and stable securement is created with regard to an external interface or equipment port. That is, advancement of the coupling nut of the herein described connector onto the external port draws the collet onto the port and upon bottoming causes the collet to seize on the port, with a minimum of effort.

[0013]Another advantage is that electrical continuity is assured in initial contact between the external port and the open-ended port retaining portion of the cable connector. It is therefore not required that the herein described connector be fully tightened to the port to insure that continuity has been made.

[0014]Yet another advantage provided is that the above coaxial cable connector is relatively simple in terms of its use as well as in the manufacture thereof. As a result, the connector also provides cost as well as time savings for manufacturers and installers as well as users.

[0015]Yet still another advantage provided is that the torque that is required in order to achieve a substantial and secure lock on an external interface port is relatively minimal wherein contact is made by the collet or spring “fingers” even before lock is achieved, meaning that the coaxial cable connector is still capable of providing adequate shielding contact, even if the connector is improperly used.

Problems solved by technology

A general problem in the attachment of coaxial cable connectors, such as those noted above, to a external appliance port is that the rotatable coupling nut can loosen over time due to several factors.

Among these factors are a lack of adequate initial tightening (e.g., improper number of turns), intended or unintentional movement of the appliance, and / or other reasons.

Another related concern in the field is that improper tightening of an engaged external interface port invariably results in a lack of electrical continuity.

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